Escobar Gets No Respect

Guys,

Daily podcast listener, fantasy baseball fanatic and thoroughly enjoy and appreciate the show! I’m in a 12 team 5×5 mixed that limits transactions to 20/yr, not counting trades. Obviously, each pickup from the waiver wire carries a lot of weight. I need to pick up a pitcher as I just traded for Ichiro and gave up Vernon Wells and Tom Gorzelanny to get him. Which available starting pitcher would you pick from this list: Kelvim Escobar, Homer Bailey, Yovani Gallardo, Sergio Mitre, Jeremy Guthrie, Chad Gaudin, Jorge Sosa, or Justin Germano. I know all these guys are doing well currently but who is the best bet for the rest of the season as well. Also, would you waste a DL spot on Pedro Martinez. This is my first ever question for you guys and I appreciate your thoughts!

Hoosier Hacker

That’s an awfully low transactions limit, Hoosier! How can you stand it? Anyway, Escobar is my clear choice from this group. I don’t even know why he’s still available in your league. As long as Kelvim is healthy, he produces at a high level. Since joining the Angels in 2004, Escobar has compiled a 3.55 ERA, a 1.24 WHIP, and 453 strikeouts in 532 1/3 innings. Judging from these numbers, not only is Escobar worthy of a roster spot…he’s a solid #3 fantasy starter who would’ve been ranked even higher heading into the season if the Angels’ offense wasn’t so bad. This year, he’s off to a fantastic first two months, boasting a sub 3 ERA and (for a change) a high win total (7). Expect Kelvim to continue his dominance in what’s shaping up to be his long awaited career year.

As for Pedro, I have no problem stashing him on your DL as long as you have room. But if holding onto him is preventing you from keeping another injured player who has a better chance of making an impact this season, feel free dropping Martinez. The Mets aren’t counting on him returning until August.

Zach Steinhorn, MLB.com

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Definitely agree. Escobar will provide you solid totals, just as Gorzelany would. I don’t expect the ERA to be sub 3., but I see a 3.50-3.75 ERA and a good WHIP. I’m astonished that he’s available in your league, so grab him quickly.

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